Come explore the thrill of Ekphrasis (from the Greek word Description). A word hard to say, but easy to explain. Ekphrastic Poetry is poetry written in response to various forms of art—usually visual art, but also music, dance, theater. In this workshop, we will dive into several artworks, read the work of masters of ekphrastic poetry, noting their vivid descriptions and masterful language. Open to both experienced writers and beginners, we will practice the art of “slow looking” (staring!) and practice some creative writing exercises, which will likely lead to new insights and discoveries. Poet Lee Woodman, author of the “Scapes” collections of poetry, will guide participants through a deep joy of art and celebration of new interpretation through the magic of words.

Order copies of books by the author from our dedicated page on the Oblong Books website. 

About the Instructor: 

Lee Woodman is the author of the “Scapes” poetry series (HOMESCAPES, MINDSCAPES, LIFESCAPES, ARTSCAPES, SOULSCAPES) and winner of both the 2025 Independent Press Award Gold Award for Poetry, and the IPA 2023 for Distinguished Favorite in Poetry. Prizes include the 2020 William Meredith Prize for Poetry, the 2021 Atlantic Review International Poetry Competition Merit Award, and First Prize in Poetry for Carve Magazine 2022. Her essays and poems have been published in Poet Lore, Tiferet Journal, Zócalo Public Square, Grey Sparrow Press, The Ekphrastic Review, vox poetica, The New Guard Review, The Concord Monitor, The Hill Rag, Naugatuck River Review, and The Broadkill Review. New to Rhinebeck, she is learning about Hudson Valley trees and birds! Learn more about her work at poetleewoodman.com.